Game Preview
Johnstown Tomahawks vs. Kenai River Brown Bears
Thursday December 31st 6 p.m.
The Johnstown Tomahawks look to close out 2015 with a victory, as they welcome the Kenai River Brown Bears to the War Memorial. The Tomahawks look to continue their success against the Brown Bears, after sweeping a pair of games in Alaska earlier this season.
The Tomahawks scored early and often in the first meeting Oct. 23, jumping out to a 4-0 lead halfway through the second period. The Brown Bears broke the shutout bid at the 11:36 mark of the second period, but the Tomahawks scored two more goals to set the final score at 6-1. Andrew Romano scored two goals and added an assist, while Zak Galambos added three assists.
In the weekend finale, Romano got the Tomahawks on the board in the second period, before Evan Butcher tied the game late in the period. Casey Linkenheld broke the tie game, scoring with 3:45 remaining in regulation. Luke Lynch set the final score with an empty net goal, giving the Tomahawks the victory and the weekend sweep.
Romano had five points (three goals, two assists) in the two previous games this season while Luke Lynch, Casey Linkenheld and Zak Galambos each have three points. Justin Bofshever and Butcher have the lone goals against the Tomahawks this season.
Johnstown leads the all-time series 6-0-1, with the lone loss coming in Soldotna, Alaska last February. The Tomahawks first win all-time came against the Brown Bears at the 2012 NAHL Showcase.
Following tonight’s game, the Tomahawks close out their weekend series against Kenai River this Saturday at 7 p.m. They close out the homestand Jan. 8 and 9 against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
Stats and Notes
- Johnstown is 2-1 all-time on New Year’s Eve
- The Tomahawks are 11-0-2 when leading after two periods.
- Kenai River has been outscored by its opponents 59-15 in the third period this season.
- Luke Lynch has eight points (four goals, four assists) in his last ten games.
- Johnstown is 3-2-0 against the Midwest Division this season